Presents a history of the championship matches hosted by World Wrestling Entertainment, tracing their expansion and popularity throughout the world, and citing the contributions of such performers as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and the Iron Sheik.
A deluxe oversized hardback book packed with photos, telling the story of the WWE Championship from Buddy Rogers in 1963 to current champ Bobby Lashley! Buddy Rogers, Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Rick Flair, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, John Cena, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley are just a few of the 50-plus Superstars who've body slammed their opponents, thrilled countless millions of wresting fans, and lofted the WWE Championship belt in triumph over the WWE's legendary 60-year history. And now, mixing everything from the Spinebuster and Lionsault to the Stomach Claw and Rock Bottom, WWE Championship: The Greatest Title in Sports Entertainment goes to the mat for WWE fans, exploring the changing face of the WWE Championship through its beloved wrestlers and their epic battles in the ring. Hundreds of action photos and posed portraits capture the most memorable moments and personalities in WWE history. Among the greatest matches revisited are: - WrestleMania VI's Ultimate Challenge between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior - Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart's Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII - Hulk Hogan’s famous Slam Heard ‘round the World against André the Giant at WrestleMania 3. - Triple H and Cactus Jack's Street Fight at Royal Rumble 2000. Author Jeremy Brown takes a "raw" look at the WWE Championship by breaking down each WWE era in chronological order: - Early Years - 1967-1980s - The Golden Era - 1980s to early 1990s - New Generation -- Early 1980s to mid-1990s - Attitude Era - Mid-1990s to early 2000s - Reality Era - 2014 to 2016 - The New Era - 2016 to the present WWE Championship: The Greatest Title in Sports Entertainment is the perfect gift for WWE uber-fans and wrestling newcomers alike.
“A fascinating dive into the physical art of modern-day wrestling entertainment and the unbelievable characters who make it work in the ring and the back.” —Chris Kluwe In We Promised You a Great Main Event, longtime sports journalist Bill Hanstock pulls back the curtain to give a smart fan’s account of WWE and Vince McMahon’s journey to the top. Untangling the truth behind the official WWE storyline, Hanstock does a deep dive into key moments of the company’s history, from the behind-the-scenes drama at the Montreal Screwjob, to the company’s handling of the Jimmy Snuka scandal, to the real story of the Monday Night Wars. WWE is an extraordinary business success and an underappreciated pop cultural phenomenon. While WWE soared to prominence during the Hulk Hogan years, as the stakes grew more and more extreme, wrestlers faced steroid scandals and assault allegations. The whole story is here, good, bad, and ugly, from the heights of iconic cultural moments like Wrestlemania III to the arrival of global superstars like The Rock and John Cena. We Promised You a Great Main Event is an exhaustive, fun account of the McMahon family and WWE’s unprecedented rise. Drawing on a decade of covering wrestling, Bill Hanstock synthesizes insights from historians, journalists, and industry insiders with his own deep research to produce the most up-to-date, entertaining history of WWE available. Full of amazing characters and astonishing stories from the ring to corporate boardrooms, it is a story as audacious as any WWE spectacle.
Dive into the heart-pounding world of professional wrestling with "The History of the WWE" by James Bren. This comprehensive and meticulously researched book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the iconic moments, legendary rivalries, and unforgettable events that have defined the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From the early days of its inception to the electrifying spectacles of WrestleMania, Bren captures the essence of WWE's evolution, introducing readers to the trailblazing superstars who have left an indelible mark on sports entertainment. Uncover the gripping narratives behind the rise of household names like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the trailblazing women who sparked the "women's evolution." Bren's narrative skillfully navigates pivotal eras, exploring the Attitude Era's raucous rebellion, the ruthless aggression that followed, and the captivating drama of the modern-day "New Era." Witness the birth of iconic championships, the emergence of unprecedented women's matches, and the groundbreaking moments that have shaped WWE into a global phenomenon. But this isn't just a tale of triumphs; it's a candid exploration of the controversies, backstage politics, and the human stories that often lurked beyond the ring. Delve into the scandals, triumphs, and tragedies that have shaped the WWE into a multifaceted cultural phenomenon. With meticulous detail and engaging storytelling, James Bren captures the raw intensity of wrestling's most iconic moments. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the squared circle, "The History of the WWE" is an immersive chronicle that will leave you captivated, entertained, and with a newfound appreciation for the unparalleled world of WWE. Get ready for a ringside seat to the captivating journey that is the history of the WWE.
From the host of the critically acclaimed pro wrestling podcast Straight Shoot, this graphic novel history of wrestling features the key grapplers, matches, and promotions that shaped this beloved sport and form of entertainment. As a pop culture phenomenon, professional wrestling--with its heroic babyfaces and villainous heels performing suplexes and powerbombs in pursuit of championship gold--has conquered audiences in the United States and around the world. Now, writer/podcaster Aubrey Sitterson and illustrator Chris Moreno form a graphic novel tag team to present wrestling's complete illustrated history. Featuring legendary wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock, and modern-day favorites like John Cena, Kenny Omega, and Sasha Banks, the book covers wrestling's progress from the carnival days of the Gold Dust Trio to the dominance of the WWF/WWE to today's diverse independent wrestling scene, and it spotlights wrestling's reach into Mexico/Puerto Rico (lucha libre), the U.K. (all-in), and Japan (puroresu).
WWE Legends gives fans an inside look at more than fifty of the greatest wrestlers ever to slip between the ropes and enter the “squared circle.” They were World Heavyweight Champions: Bob Backlund, Superstar Billy Graham, and Bruno Sammartino. They were fan favorites: “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, Chief Jay Strongbow, and Andre the Giant. They were the villains everyone loved to hate: Killer Kowalski, Ernie Ladd, and the Fabulous Moolah. They were ethnic heroes, someone just like you that you could cheer for: Ivan Putski, Pedro Morales, Peter Maivia. They were the stars that shined the brightest, and left an indelible mark on the memories of countless fans. In a time when professional wrestling was divided into territories, no place created bigger Superstars than World Wrestling Entertainment. From the company's centerpiece in Madison Square Garden, legends were born. WWE Legends is the every fan's guide to the legends of the ring. They are all in here, from Andre the Giant to George “the Animal” Steele, with quick stats and descriptions of their most famous matches. No true wrestling fan should be without this book.
From the creators of the official WWE Encyclopedia, WWE 50 gives you the behind-the-scenes knowledge to become the ultimate WWE fan! Learn the Real Story Behind Key Events in WWE History: The split from the National Wrestling Alliance. Controversial figures and events from all eras. National expansion and the perilous risk involved. The legal and financial strife that nearly devastated WWE. Triumph in the Monday Night Wars. Innovations of WrestleMania, Raw, SmackDown, Survivor Series, and more! With Stunning Visuals and Insider Commentary.
From the top 10 Champions to the most popular matches ever, WWE: Book of Top 10s ranks everything in the world of WWE in fun and bite-sized lists. WWE: The Book of Top 10s is packed with information and trivia and will provide hours of ammunition and controversy as fans debate the lists, arguing positioning, surprise inclusions, and snubs from 100 lists spanning five decades of sports entertainment history. The greatest stars from WWE's past and present are featured, including John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Undertaker, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Andre the Giant, Randy "Macho Man" Savage, and so many more.
WWE Super Star Shawn "Heartbreak Kid" Michaels shares the stories of his decades-long wrestling career, his life, and his faith in this WWE Super Star biography. Heartbreak & Triumph introduces Michael Shawn Hickenbottom, the youngest of four children whose conservative upbringing made him quiet and reserved. But upon discovering Southwest Championship Wrestling one night, Hickenbottom realized instantly what he wanted to become. From there, Hickenbottom fully recounts his exciting and vast career history, and how he transformed into "The Heartbreak Kid." Shawn shares firsthand details of the allegation that brought about HBK's classic Ladder match with Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X; the incident in Syracuse that set the stage for Shawn's unbelievable "comeback" victories at Royal Rumble 1996, and in the Iron Man WWE Championship match with Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII; and how his escalating backstage feud with Hart inadvertently built toward the formation of "D-Generation X," as well as the first-ever "Hell in a Cell" contest against Undertaker. Beyond the squared circle, Michaels clears the air about his days running with The Kliq, their contributions to WWE's wildly successful "Attitude" era, and the consequences of their uncharacteristic Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call" in May 1996. And for the first time anywhere, Michaels shoots completely straight about his role in one of the biggest scandal in wrestling history, the infamous "Montreal screwjob" at Survivor Series 1997. While reliving the crippling back injury that forced him to retire in his prime following his WWE Championship loss at WrestleMania XIV, Michaels credits the new loves in his life—his second wife Rebecca, his children, and his newfound faith—with giving him the strength to kick his habit, recover physically, and make a jubilant return to the ring at SummerSlam 2002. Now back on top and doing what he enjoys most, the WWE Superstar regards Heartbreak & Triumph as the perfect means "to review my life, and attempt to figure out how I became the person I am."